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PHYLLIS S. JONES

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University of Pennsylvania

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Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

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Silver Spring, Maryland

PHYLLIS JONES Obituary

PHYLLIS SHEARER JONES (Age 58)
On Sunday, December 16, 2012, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved daughter of the late Alonzo E. and Thelma L. Shearer; mother of Lance E. Jones; sister of Alonzo Edward Shearer, Jr. and Don Roderick Shearer; aunt of Don Roderick Shearer II. Phyllis was president and CEO of Elan International, LLC and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Harvard Business School. Graveside service and interment at Maryland National Memorial Park, 13300 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD, on Friday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for PHYLLIS JONES

Sponsored by Melanie Mixon - McClain.

88 Entries

Toni Patton-Williams

August 31, 2024

My sincere sympathy to the family. Classmate, Academy of Notre Dame, Class of `72.

Sally

December 13, 2023

Phyllis sending my love to you in heaven. I think about you often. Our shared memories of high school, our days living in Atlanta and DC. I am sure that by now you are on your next big adventure of learning and living. May our souls cross paths again as we journey through our future lives.

Sally Johnson

December 13, 2022

Unbelievable that it´s been 10 years. Certainly gone too soon. I think often about our days in High School; and when we connected in Atlanta both out of graduate school with our first major job and we both met our husbands in Atlanta and we both had a son. Then we both reconnected years later in DC after traveling different path on our life´s journey. You were and will always be a beautiful soul and a friend who I will always cherish. Sending you love in Heaven...Sally Johnson

ELEANOR WARNER

December 13, 2021

Beautiful angel, I think of you often. I'm so glad to have known you while you were here on earth. Lovingly, Eleanor

Linda Earley Chastang

December 13, 2020

I think of Phyllis often and very, very fondly. She is still making me think; she is still making me laugh; and she is still reminding me how important it is to have and be a friend.

Donna Smith

October 31, 2014

I'm still missing you, Phyllis. You will always remain close to my heart. Peace and Blessings always.

October 28, 2014

So pleased to see this ongoing guest book. I recently attended a National Export Council meeting in Washington, DC and thought of Phyllis with her involvement in that organization. Phyllis is missed. Susanne Stirling, California Chamber of Commerce

October 27, 2014

I had the pleasure of conducting business with Phyllis in 2011. I Googled her today and so sorry to hear of her passing. Her life was so worthwhile to many with whom she shared her joy and a wealth of business acumen. God bless her.

ELEANOR WARNER

October 26, 2014

I still think of you, Phyllis.

Tim Clancy

April 26, 2013

I really enjoyed serving with Phyllis on the Penn Museum board. She was so full of enthusiasm and energy. We often commiserated about how our sons both like motorcycles. You are surely missed Phyllis.

Erran Persley

April 17, 2013

I actually met Phyllis while on assignment in Gaborone, Botswana. I was immediately impressed by her energy, intellect, and drive. Her laugh filled the room and her light was always shinning brightly. Missed but never forgotten.

Greg Sandler

January 18, 2013

Phyllis, Some of us were remembering you yesterday! Your spirit lives on.

Richard Toler

January 12, 2013

I was a classmate of Phyllis at the Harvard Business School. I will always remember the way her smile would beam. She lifted the spirits of everyone around her. She was a blessing to us all.

January 9, 2013

Phyllis, I remember when we first met at the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Your bubbly personality and winning smile was so heartfelt that I knew our meeting was no accident. When we got reconnected at Prestige Dry Cleaners on Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland is when I introduced you to the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce where you became an active member. I last saw you at my house at a "Hen's Party" where my friends welcomed you with opened arms. You were the life of the party as you shared your life experiences with everyone. We will truly miss you, Phyllis. God only wants the best for his angels.

-Dorothy Michael, Adelphi, Maryland

Sarah Tisch

January 7, 2013

Phyllis had tremendous passion for work in international development. She will be sorely missed.

Mark S. Deion

January 3, 2013

I had the fortunate opportunity to serve with Phyllis on the NSBA Board for many years. She always had a smile and a twinkle in her eye! She was an insightful small business advocate. She will be missed. Prayers to her family and loved ones.

Cap Willey

January 3, 2013

I had the pleasure of serving on the NSBA board with Phyllis for many years. I always enjoyed her presences. She will be missed. My sincere condolences

Ann Keith

December 31, 2012

Hi Lance,

I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing your mother for awhile, and I must say that she was an extremely impressive and phenominal woman. She will surely be missed, but be blessed in knowing that your mother was a woman to be remembered.....May God bless and keep you.

December 31, 2012

GOD BLESS YOU PHYLLIS,,,YOU ARE AN ANGEL, NOW WITH THE FATHER!!!!!!! AMB OJ WEBB

Paul Grayspn

December 31, 2012

I'll miss you Phyllis. I was the academic advisor along with Wendella Fox and Ruth Price to your class . You were very special and successful in life . You were an important asset in the African american presence at Penn. Paul Grayson '74

Debra Campbell

December 28, 2012

As an HBS Section D classmate I remember Phyllis as upbeat, funny, kind...and tall! She led her life with elegance and fully -- which is clear from the tributes. Let us all remember to attempt to do the same in our lives. As a living tribute. My condolences to her family and close friends.

Alan Carswell

December 28, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing. She was the one who called me to notify me that I had been admitted to HBS, way back in 1980. I'll always remember her as a committed member of the black community at HBS and beyond.

Victoria M Sheffield

December 27, 2012

Phyllis helped the International Eye Foundation with stategic planning and was a good friend with a willing ear and wonderful suggestions. What a pro, her death was a real shock and she is missed already. God bless her.

Eric Turner

December 27, 2012

I met Phyllis in planning for one of the HBSAAA conferences. She was a joy to work with - lot's of energy, good ideas and a great attitude! I am quite saddened by the news of her transition. Please accept my condolences and know that both you and Phyllis are in my thoughts and prayers.

George Bartell

December 27, 2012

As one in the same section at HBS, I will always remember Phyllis for her love of people, her beaming smile, and warm spirit.

Mary Jane Norris

December 27, 2012

Lance,
Your Mom was so special to all of us who worked with her on the DEC. She always greeted us with a warm hug and her big beautiful smile. She was an inspiration and always willing to take on any task that was needed. She has been a tremendous role model for all of us. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Mary Jane Norris

Jose Luis del Valle

December 27, 2012

Phyllis was the nicest person by far in our Harvard Business School first-year study group. Always smiling and supportive. I learned a lot from Phyllis. Tawna and I will pray for her. Rest in peace.

Walter Ross MBA 1973

December 27, 2012

Phyllis was a respected member of the Harvard Business School Community. She will be missed.My prayers go out to her family and friends.

ALFRED NKERE

December 27, 2012

Lance and family I had the pleasure of meeting your mother through DEC and since then She became a mentor, always ready to listen and give advice and insights. We all sure will miss her pleasant smile and her engaging thoughts. You and the rest of family are in my prayers.

Jon Spector

December 27, 2012

Lance,

I have not seen your Mom in more than 30 years when we were classmates at HBS, but I can still picture her enormous smile. My condolences for your loss.

Maurice Walker

December 27, 2012

My prayers go out to the Jones family in the passing of Phyllis, who has gone home to receive her heavenly reward. Phyllis was such a positive, smart, fun and energetic person. Her presence will be greatly missed within the HBSAAA community!!! May the peace of Christ comfort the family in your hour of bereavement, and may Phyllis' legacy live on in your hearts.

henry johnson

December 27, 2012

I will sorely miss my dear friend but Godspeed on your journey home. RIP

December 27, 2012

Phyllis and I were ace buddies during business school. I remember her choosing the name of her firm "Elan" which connotes ardor and enthusiasm--which could not have been a better name for her approach to life. My condolences to Lance and her brothers. I know that Phyllis' beloved parents have welcomed her with open arms.

Edie Haynes

Steve Gaynor

December 27, 2012

Dear Lance and Family,

News of Phyllis's death brought great sadness to my wife and me. Please accept our sincere condolences. I was in Section D at HBS along with Phyllis, and was fortunate to be her friend. She was always upbeat, friendly and indefatigable, reflecting great inner strength and confidence. Seeing her again was a draw to attend the next reunion. It is not a cliche to say she will be missed. Take solace in the joy she brought to the world.

December 27, 2012

I am saddened to hear that Phyllis made her transition at such a young age. She was a wonderful spirit whom readily shared her gifts with her friends and comunity. We will miss her dearly.

R. Steven Wilkinson
HBSAAAA

Robert Brown

December 25, 2012

Phyllis was a very special woman in my life and created magic in all aspects of her existence. Met her in 1979 via the Black MBA's and we have maintain a Bond for over 30 years. A complete woman in all aspects of her life, the world wept with her passing. I am better for knowing her and ask God to bless her family and soul. Love you so much Phyllis

Michael Schneider

December 25, 2012

I am deeply saddened by Phyllis' death. I mourn her loss, but at the same time celebrate her life. She was such a wonderful person whom I had the privilege and honor to serve with on the Maryland/DC District Export Council for many years. God rest her soul. My heartfelt condolences go out to her son Lance and his family, and to such other surviving family members as there may be.

Charles Blum

December 24, 2012

Phyllis's warmth, energy and enthusiasm were a blessing to all who were privileged to know her. My prayer is that those qualities will live on through us.

Deborah S. Griffin

December 24, 2012

RIP Phyllis Shearer Jones You left your mark on this world..Believe that!!

Linda Evans

December 22, 2012

Dear Lance and family,friends

Michael and I send our deepest and heartfelt condolences in the loss of a vibrant, talented and warm person who was Phyllis..her generous and enveloping spirit will live in our memories.

Warm regards Linda Evans and Michael Frodl

Melvin Foote

December 21, 2012

To Lance and the family, please except my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Phyllis. She was one of the nicest people working on international business development. She also had a very pleasant disposition and demeanor. She is certainly missed.

Donzia Mumford

December 21, 2012

Dear Lance and Family,

Please accept my heart felt condolences. I'm stunned by Phyllis's passing. Our relationship spanned decades. We began as two single twenty something's that crossed paths while living in Atlanta. I'm thankful for the memories of our times together in Atlanta during the '80's, our times together in DC during the '90's and our times in the 2000's at my Va farm. Whenever we saw one another, no matter how much time had passed, it was as if no time had passed. I'll always treasure the essence of the spirit I know as her.

May your memories of her spiritual gifts hold you close as you journey to find peace with her passing.

Kay Hixson

December 21, 2012

At times like this, I can't seem to find the right words. Phyllis was unique in so many ways. But most of all, she was sincere and caring. My sympathies to the family. We will all miss her.

Avis Taylor-Ikeji

December 21, 2012

Lance I had the pleasure of meeting your mother through my sister Sandra. She was so much fun to be around. She will be truely missed. Please know that my prayers are with you at this time.

David Sizmur

December 21, 2012

Phyllis was such a wonderful person. I would call her a "hugger"... whenever we met in person, the first thing was to hug, as a natural act of friendship.

The DEC, and all other groups she was associated with, will never be the same without her.

Forwarding sincere condolences to her family and [surely, many] friends.

Joanne Williams

December 21, 2012

Dear Lance and family of Phyllis...know that your mom's life made a difference in this world...and I believe she left her mark.... that wonderful smile will be my fondest remembrance. Peace be with you all.

Danita, Michael and James Nias

December 21, 2012

Dear Lance,
Michael, James and I were so saddened to learn of your mother's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother was a wonderful neighbor and we loved her dearly. May she rest in peace always and forever.
Our condolences,
Danita Michael and James Nias

John DeLuca

December 21, 2012

I never had the joy of meeting Phyllis in person but I know her through her endless sharing as a DEC member. My prayers are with her and the family

Founder & Global Chief Executive of Malichi Group Worldwide and Vice Chairman: Indiana District Export Council

Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon. D. Bus.

December 21, 2012

Lance, I am a son who lost his mother way too young. I know that pain, and I also know the joy in knowing that your mother; PJ, is with the Lord. PJ and I met in 1994 and both traveled the world on official Trade business. I admired how world leaders were in awe of your mother. What a lady, what a DEC leader, what a dear friend. My respect and admiration for PJ knows no boundries. Lance, you were the "apple of her eye." If you ever get to Indianapolis, please look me up; you are always welcome. Lance, Proverbs 3:5-6 may be of some solace.

Have a successful day!

Susanne Stirling

December 20, 2012

My deepest sympathies on the passing of Phyllis. What a wonderful colleague on the District Export Council. Phyllis was a true professional with grace and charm. Susanne Stirling, California Chamber of Commerce / Northern California DEC

Louis Beauchamp

December 20, 2012

Dear Lance and Family,please accept my heartfelt condolences for our loss. Words are hard to come by for your Mother and my "little sister" as there has never been another like her. I will miss my late night conversations with PJ,her laughter,her wisdom and the many ways she enriched my life. Lance,remember always, your Mother loved and cherised you dearly.
"When someone you love becomes a memory,the memory becomes a treasure".
I will remember and treasure Phyllis always.

La Vida Clary Mason

December 20, 2012

Phyllis will be remembered for her beautiful smile, smarts, acts of kindness and elegance. It's hard to believe she's no longer with us. Fortunately, the memories I have of Phyllis can never be taken away. May she rest in peace.

Julius Hudson

December 20, 2012

I am shocked and deeply by the news of Phyllis' passing. I had initially met her at Melanie Mixon's wedding. I was looking forward to meeting her on my east coast tour. Phyllis was a beautiful person inside and out. My deepest condolences to her family may she rest in peace.

Leila Afas

December 20, 2012

I'm shocked and devastated to learn of Phyllis's passing. She was a wonderful colleague and a good friend. Her energy, creativity, intelligence, and dedication were inspiring to all os us.

Tim DeMarco

December 20, 2012

I am very sad about Phyllis passing. She was a very good and compassionate person. I will miss her very much.

Tim DeMarco

Kevin Stacia

December 20, 2012

I will always remember Phyllis' passion for the things she was involved with (including the Black MBA Assn.) and her sense of humor. Her son and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.

Tim McCoy

December 20, 2012

I am heartbroken to learn of Phyllis' passing. She will be sorely missed, for her humor, her enthusiasm, her dedication and...just for being Phyllis. Rest in peace, my friend. I am a better person for having known you.

Douglas Woodul

December 20, 2012

Phyllis was an inspiration to me. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. Heaven is a little brighter today

Adrienne Rhone

December 20, 2012

Dear Lance and Family,
There are many IBMers grieving the loss of Phyllis. She was a respected colleague and a dear friend. We pray that you will find solace in the joy that she brought to everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Blessings to you.

Aisha Jones

December 20, 2012

I will always remember Phyllis' radiant smile, and warm heart. She will truly be missed.

Alex Koff

December 20, 2012

To Lance and family,
Phyllis had a warm smile and energy that she brought to every task and project. Both will be missed. On behalf of Carl Livesay and the entire MD/DC District Export Council, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Lina El Tagi

December 20, 2012

My sincere condoleances,Phyllis was an exceptional woman, she will be missed.May God give comfort to her son and family.

Karen Webster Parks

December 20, 2012

May God be with you and your family as Phyllis makes her transition to eternal life. Her sweet, sweet spirit and light will be missed by those that loved her and adored her. Much Peace and Love, K-K

December 20, 2012

I was so, so sorry to hear of Phyllis' passing, may you take solace in the joy she brought to life.

Margaret Young, Classmate, HBS

Craig, Aleshea and Camryn Triplett

December 20, 2012

Lance,

Please accept our condolences for your untimely and precious loss. You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a great friend and colleague.

Carl Livesay

December 20, 2012

I have known Phyllis for the past seven years or so. During that time she has been a mentor, partner and most of all friend to myself and many others. Always cheerful and full of energy, Phyllis enjoyed life. When she walked into a room, the room would light up. Her quick wit and pleasant demeanor was refreshing as she shared stories from around the globe. Phyllis enjoyed people and people enjoyed Phyllis. At networking events, Phyllis was the center of attention and she was quick to recall previous encounters. Everyone smiled when they were around her. Phyllis will be remembered as a professional who made a difference on two continents.

The Maryland/Washington DC District Export Council (DEC) lost a pillar of strength, international trade lost an advocate and we all lost a friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Phyllis and her family during this time.

She was an amazing woman and I have benefited personally from knowing her for the few years we worked together.

Carl Livesay, Chairman
Maryland/Washington DC District Export Council

james wilkinson

December 20, 2012

Phyllis was an active leader of the District Export Council, and was key to the group's solidification and growth during the years she was its Chair. She brought together a strong community of exporters in Maryland with charm and a positive message to small Maryland businesses that, like hers, can compete globally with success. She was a star in the world of trade and exporting! She will be missed.

Daniel Green

December 20, 2012

Although I will not be physically present on Friday I will be there in spirit.
I will miss Phyllis.
I will always remember her fantastic attitude, thoughtfulness, commitment to friends and passion for her DEC.
Phyllis, her family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers at 30,000 feet.

With Fondest Regards,

Daniel
Daniel Green
Director, Trade Facilitation Office
Embassy of the United States
Beijing, China

P.S.: If I could be there, I would be wearing a bright purple tie!

Bob Roche

December 20, 2012

To Lance & family. I was glad to have met and worked with Phyllis. She will be missed. From all of us at CTRL Systems you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Edward Galiber

December 20, 2012

God Bless You Phyliss,

You were always a radiant spirit whenever our paths crossed. I will miss our chance meetings at the Giant. I was always impressed with your humor and your true sense of love and vibrance.
Until we meet again, Enjoy being the angel you always have been here. Please stop in with each of us whenever God lets you. You have crossed over with experience in the angel position.
To your family I offer my deepest condolences for her untimely passing and the comfort to believe that even this is in the perfect plan of God and the hope that she will reach back and comfort you as you move forward with your lives.
NBL
Ed Galiber

Emmit/Singleton McHenry

December 20, 2012

To the Family of Phyllis: Singleton and I join the community with heavy hearts and feeling of loss. I hold dear her smile, her passion, and quiet discussions. We will take comfort in memories of our Star. We pray you and our community find comfort in the joy Phillis shared with us.

Susan Schwelling

December 20, 2012

Phyllis was a friendly and committed member of the Woodside Way town house community. We will miss her buoyant spirit and engaging smile. We are very sorry for your loss.

December 20, 2012

Dear Lance,
Your mom brought her positive spirit into our WWHOA community and left it a better place. May God be your source of comfort and strength in this time. Your neighbors, Marie & Mark LeDuc

Erlinda Brent

December 20, 2012

Blessings on your Spirit.

Lynn Jenkins

December 20, 2012

Dear Lance and Family, please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathies for your loss. Phyllis was a phenomenal woman, entrepreneur and mother who cherished Lance; her son and friend. Although she will be missed, we are all blessed to have known her and will certainly remember her smile and laughter. May your happy memories bring you comfort.

Charlene Frink

December 19, 2012

December 19, 2012

I remain devastated over the loss of my good friend, Phyllis. She touched a number of lives. I enjoyed her quick wit and intellect. Phyllis was a joy to be around and we're all left with fond memories. She had a wonderful spirit and will always be remembered as kind and generous. How can this be that she was taken away from us so soon? Lance and Family: It is with sincere sadness and a heavy heart that I offer my condolences. Your mom is deeply loved by many.

Jack Sims

December 19, 2012

Gone too soon, Phyllis Shearer Jones we wish miss you. There are not many of us who seek our destiny outside the box and you were one of us. I thought we would have more time but God had another plan. God will bless you and your family.

Clare Hines

December 19, 2012

To Phyllis's family, my heartfelt condolences on your loss. We were business owner colleagues and I could always count on Phyllis to be a friendly face at all the business functions we attended together. She always had a positive outlook and a kind word. God Bless you all!

December 19, 2012

To the Family of Phyllis: I have only known her for a few years, and have not interacted with her often, however from the first day we met, she has felt like a good friend. She always expressed her love and affection for her son,and a love of life. She will be missed! Linda Thompson

Melanie Mixon- McClain

December 19, 2012

Dearest Lance and Family, My prayers are with you in this time of loss. Your mom, & my very friend will be terribly missed, however her laugh and joy will continue to be forever in my heart and spirit. God Bless you,knowing (Lance) you were the love of her life and that even in heaven she continues to smile upon you now and always. Melanie & Jay (Mixon) McClain

Debbie Hines

December 19, 2012

Lance- the memory of Phyllis will always live on in our hearts. She was the most positive person I have ever known. I loved her motto of enjoy each day. There is nothing like the loss of a mother and your mother was phenomenal. Lance and family--My thoughts and prayers will remain with you. Peace be with you.

Sondra Rhoades-Johnson

December 19, 2012

My heart is heavy at the loss of my dear friend, but I'm thankful for memories of happier times and for the love of family and friends that surrounded her. From IBM A-Mod roomie to lifelong friend. We shared some of life's more poignant moments--marriage, divorce, career ups and downs,and children. Lance and family, we now lift you up in prayer. May you Rest in Paradise, my sister girl-friend.
You are missed . . .

Albert Frazier

December 19, 2012

To Lance and other family members, I was a classmate of Phyllis' at Harvard Business School. She was universally liked and respected among our peers. She inspired us all with her intellect, positive energy and ability to lead in all circumstances. Her warm and engaging personality will be missed. We were all better people for having known her. May God richly bless all of you because of her love while here on earth and now from above.

Margo Spencer

December 19, 2012

Dear Lance and famliy:

The Spencer family continues to pray for all of you. I will miss my dear friend and collegue. I keep waiting on my cell phone to ring. I know it won't.

Margo Jackson Spencer

Sally Johnson

December 19, 2012

Dear Lance and Family. Lance I have known your mother since we were in high school and she was a beautiful light in life and she is now a beautiful light in heaven.

Darlene Andrews

December 19, 2012

Dear Lance and Family of Phyliss, My Love and Prayers. Sincerely, Darlene Andrews

Linda Chastang

December 19, 2012

Phyllis enjoyed a good life, had a phenomenal spirit, cared deeply, possessed an unusual ability and willingness to empathize and share. She was kind, engaging, welcoming, understanding and generous. She inspired all with whom she came in contact to think deeply, to reach far, to love and live each day more than the day before, and to be hopeful and positive - always. I learned a lot from Phyllis. I am a better person because of our friendship.

Donna Smith

December 19, 2012

Phyllis, I am so blessed that God let me into your wonderful life, allowed me to experience your unique spirit and share a once in a lifetime friendship that will live in my heart and soul forever. Thank you and rest well my good Sister!
Catch up with you later!

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